Posts Tagged ‘Frances Kakugawa’

Dear Writers/Caregivers/Advocates for Loved Ones,

Coach Teresa LeYung-Ryan here . . . I see how helping a loved one/being an advocate is so much like writing a book.

My papa has been diagnosed with Parkinsonism by his neurologist. If Papa is telling his story, he would be the first-person narrator; if I’mtelling the story about him, then I would be the third-person narrator.

A book (story) consists of one main character (also known as “hero” or “protagonist”) or multiple main characters and other characters (other archetypes), a subject matter that is discussed repeatedly (“theme”) and at least one plotline (“what happened?”). The merging of these elements helps the writer show the hero’s journey.

Helping a loved one/being an advocate consists of at least 2 protagonists (YOU and the loved one) and other archetypes (physicians, healthcare and social service providers, other family members and friends, neighbors, coworkers, vendors, . . . the stranger who gives up her/his seat on the train for you), themes (the cause for help and advocacy and the related issues), and plotlines (the interconnected events associated with all the characters). Who will be the most transformed in the story? The loved one? You the caregiver/advocate? The person who is most transformed would be the main character/hero/protagonist. Perhaps both people will go through great transformation. Two protagonists!

I am writing – I keep a notebook for whenever I visit my papa or when I do something on his behalf- gosh, there are so many little “subplots” to keep track of! (Is this Papa’s third or last session with the physical therapist? Mary and I need to witness the exercises so that when the P.T. closes the case, we would be able to coach Papa. Did he say he wanted another heating pad? Oh my, there are at least 18 model to choose from. Gotta review friends’ advice about what is a comfortable bed and also Consumer Reports. Then Papa has to “test drive” some beds. You just can’t shop for a mattress the way you shop for a pair of shoes.

MATTRESS SHOPPING TIPS (from Sealy’s website)

Plan to spend at least one hour in the store.

Wear loose clothing and easily removable shoes.

Test out mattresses in groups of three for easier comparison.

Lie on each mattress for 5 to 15 minutes to let it fully adapt to your body.

Don’t feel rushed. It’s ok to ask for privacy.

I would add: Bring your own pillow so that your neck is supported while trying out mattresses; maybe bring an extra pillow case too.

And, I am reading the book The Brain’s Way of Healing: Remarkable Discoveries and Recoveries from the Frontiers of Neuroplasticity by Norman Doidge, M.D. Chapter 2 is titled “A Man Walks Off His Parkinsonian Symptoms” . . . how John Pepper has been able to reverse the major symptoms, the ones that Parkinson’s patients dread most, those that lead to immobility. He’s done so with an exercise program he devised and with a special kind of concentration . . .

All the “characters” in Dr. Doidge’s books (The Brain’s Way of Healingand The Brain that Changes Itself: Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science) and in Dr. Victoria Sweet‘s book (God’s Hotel: A Doctor, a Hospital, and a Pilgrimage to the Heart of Medicine) are guiding me on my journey as an advocate for my father. And, I just know that my mom plays a huge role in helping me.

Special thanks to Margie Yee Webb, Frances Kakugawa, Penny Manson, Debbie Ramos and her daughter Melanie who went out of their way to help me research specific items and to Mary, my sister Maria Leung, Linda Harris, Sue, Janet, and Elaine for being there in person.

In my previous blog post about how to remedy an episodic storyline . . . here’s an argument from one of my clients who writes children’s books . . .

“But kids aren’t that sophisticated, are they? Shouldn’t stories for that age group be episodic?”

Coach Teresa here . . . Kids know what a good story is, especially if they’ve read the timeless classics (to name a few: The Hobbit; The Wind In the Willows; Charlotte’s Web; The Phantom Tollbooth; The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. What are other memorable children’s books? Wordsworth the Poet by Frances Kakugawa is a contemporary favorite of mine )

Also, keep in mind that a children’s story has to hook adults (agents, acquisition editors, publishers, booksellers, reviewers, shoppers). How do you hook adult-readers, even if you choose to be your own publisher?

Answer: Create memorable characters and follow screenwriting teacher Terrel Seltzer’s advice: “Someone we care about wants something badly and is having a terrible time getting it.”

My beloved friend Olga hosted a Gathering of Women today. It was more than a networking party because during “circle time” each woman was given the stage to talk about herself and her immediate goals. If a listener had recommendations or leads for the speaker, she wrote it on a piece of paper and presented it to the speaker after everyone had a chance to speak.

I humbly thank Olga, Margie, Frances, Kim, Theresa, Neva, Jana, Mary, Chandra, Pat, and Pamela for lovely foods and such beautiful energy (and the marvelous advice you gave me to further grow my business!). Nadia, thank you for hanging out with us. My wish for every woman in the group is this: May you summon the kind of vibrance you shared with the group today when you yourself need an energizer.

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How do I keep my energy high and healthy? Speaking my wishes and listening to yours.

Colleague Margie Yee Webb told me about a fun event that happened this past Tuesday night. I believe in post-event cheers for my colleagues. If you’re in the Sacramento area, go meet these authors at events. What do these authors have in common? They’re all vibrant members at the Sacramento Branch of the California Writers Club. I have worked with them (Margie Yee Webb, Steve Liddick, Bob Quinlan, Frances Kakugawa, Kiyo Sato, Susan M. Osborn) at various literary events and I think they are all delightful! Margie, Bob, Frances and I are WNBA members

September 21, 2010-An Evening With Authors-Open to the Public

6-8 p.m. Luna’s Cafe, 1414 16th St., Sacramento, CA

These authors (they’re nice people too) read from their works and autographed books:

Another Day in the Life of a Published Author/Presenter/Advocate of Literacy

Dear Writers,

I encourage everyone to finish writing that story or that book and find ways to get your work published in print form. When I first set out to write Love Made of Heart (originally entitled Grace) over 20 years ago, my dream was to someday touch readers the way Maxine Hong Kingston’s The Woman Warrior had touched me.

Since Love Made of Heart got published in October 2002 by Kensington Publishing Corp., New York, I have had the opportunities to make connections with readers not only with the book but also through personal appearances at community events, writers’ conferences, writers’ organizations, schools and libraries. Connecting with people through promoting literacy is my favorite role as an author.

Today I received this email which made me sad, but, I got a chance to offer a piece of me as an author. Thank you, Donna, for emailing me.

subject:

Book for Veterans Memorial

Hello Teresa! My name is Donna Axelson. I am on the board of the non-profit Veterans Memorial that was built in 2007 in Cupertino, CA. I became involved with this project because my son, Matthew Axelson, a Navy SEAL, was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. If you have read the New York Times Bestseller Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell you have read about Matthew and Operation Redwing.

One of my major jobs with the non-profit is to chair the annual golf tournament that supports the Memorial. This is our fifth year to hold the golf tournament and one of the most sought after auction items is children’s books signed by local authors. I’m hoping you would be willing to donate a copy of one of your books this year for the auction. The golf tournament this year is Monday, August 23 @ the Palo Alto Hills Golf & Country Club. You can reach me at ____ and you can view our website at www.cupertinoveteransmemorial.org

My heart is heavy as I read your email about how you got involved with Veterans Memorial.
Donna, I would be honored to donate a copy of Love Made of Heart (to honor your love for Matthew); however my book is not a children’s book. It is recommended by the California Reading Association and the California School Library Association (for high-school and college level); it’s archived at the San Francisco History Center. The main character is in her twenties.

I am the creator of “Heroes, Tricksters, and Villains” (a writing workshop for children). If you ever want such a presentation for another fundraiser, please invite me.

You might want to also contact Frances Kakugawa, the author of Wordsworth the Poet and Wordsworth Dances The Waltz. http://www.francesk.org/homepage.html Please tell Frances hello for me if you email her.

I looked up your book so know a bit about it already. We have at least one foursome of high school and college age golfers plus parents of those same age young people golf. Plus our CEO is involved with the Organization of Special Needs families in our area. I think your book would be a wonderful addition to our auction. Please send it to the address below % CVM Golf Tournament.

I will contact Frances. Thank you for her information.

Last year when I went to the Linden Tree in Los Altos (Dennis and Linda always donate books for the auction.) I purchased a book 2007 Writers and Illustrators Network Guide [Authors and Illustrators Network Guide] and you were in that book.

Fondly,

Donna Axelson

c/o Cupertino Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament

So, I inscribed a hardcover copy of Love Made of Heart to “The Cupertino Veterans Memorial Hearts” and attached a personal note to Donna and mailed the package out.

As an author and community spirit, Teresa LeYung Ryan speaks out for public libraries, honors immigrant-stories, advocates compassion for mental illness, and helps survivors of violence find their own voices through writing.

Love Made of Heart inspires adult-children of mentally-ill parents to speak openly about the stigmas that their parents suffer. http://LoveMadeOfHeart.comBuild Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published is the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook. Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan says: “Reach out, not stress out, when building your writer’s name.” http://WritingCoachTeresa.com

15 May 2010 Delightful people and guardian angels made Asian Heritage Street Celebration a sunny day for me.

If you were at today’s AHSC, I welcome your comments to this post. Just click on the title of this post to get the boxes. After you compose your comment, save a copy, then press the “submit comment” button. Thanks!

Even last night I wasn’t sure whether I’d make it to the event today. I believe Marisa and my mom must have sent me a dose of energy.

Thank you, Margie Yee Webb, creator of Cat Mulan, for orchestrating the California Writers Club booth at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration. We were in front of the San Francisco Main Branch Library on Larkin Street, between the Public Library booth and Kara’s Cupcakes–what could be better? Margie Yee Webb, Lloyd Lofthouse, Frances Kakugawa and I had fun with dear fans and friends. Thank you, Margie’s beautiful sisters and niece, Frances’s sweetheart, all the kind folks at AHSC, and of course my hubby Lyle Ryan who dragged a second suitcase of books onto BART with me. Guardian Angels brought us sunshine in the afternoon.

Thank you! to Everyone who have read or will be reading Love Made of Heart. You have the power to be Book Critics. Please write reviews (can be short) on Amazon.com or email Reviews@LoveMadeofHeart.com

As an author and a community spirit, I, Teresa LeYung Ryan, use my novel Love Made of Heart to:
• shed light on stigmas suffered by immigrant women, men, and children
• advocate understanding of mental illness/traumas to the mind
• help survivors of violence find their own voices through writing

This Thursday May 13, 2010 I will be attending the Effie Lee Morris Lecture at the San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

The speaker is local artist and children book author Ashley Wolff. Lecture theme is Sunrise/Sunset: Exploring the many cycles of life in picture books. Book signing and reception at 5pm in the Latino Hispanic Community Room; lecture 6pm in the Koret Auditorium. http://wnba-sfchapter.org/

Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan on Linda Joy Myers’s Teleseminar for The National Association of Memoir Writers (NAMW)

[June NAMW Member-only Teleseminar] Join Writing Career Coach Teresa LeYung Ryan as She Helps Memoir Writers Use What They Know to Build Fame! Fun & Simple Steps for Memoir Writers to Thrive
Not already a member of NAMW? Visit http://www.namw.org now!

How do writers thrive in the fiercely competitive industry? Find out for yourself in this delightful session with Coach Teresa who created Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published (the 22 minutes for 22 days workbook).

Teresa LeYung Ryan uses her novel Love Made of Heart to shed light on secret agonies suffered by mothers and daughters in domestic violence. She is also a writing career coach and creator of Build Your Name, Beat the Game: Be Happily Published.

Margaret Davis (Straight Down the Middle) is a sociologist who is also the author of Families in a Working World and A Practical Guide to Organization Design. Her second novel, Katie Carlisle, will be available soon.

Judith Marshall (Husbands May Come and Go but Friends are Forever) is the owner of Kelso Books, a publishing house. Husbands has been optioned for the screen and her second novel, Staying Afloat, will be available soon.

Jon Cory (A Plague of Scoundrels). Retirement enabled Jon to return to creative writing after a career in business. His debut novel received the 2009 Independent Publishers’ Silver Medal award for popular fiction.

* Agents and acquisition editors say publishers prefer to work with authors who are already celebrities or have established platforms (i.e. means to build fan base). How do I compete?
* I am published. There aren’t enough hours in a day to write, let alone run around and network.
* I believe in my writing and I’m committed to building my career, but, my budget is limited.

Teresa LeYung Ryan says: “You are the expert of your experiences whether you’re writing fiction or non-fiction. When you make your name synonymous with the themes/subject matters/issues in your writing, you beat the game. You too can be happily published.